Member Article

Science Central announces event to explore Newcastle's economic future

Question Time Newcastle, a free to attend event, will take place at St. James’ this Thursday (25 May) to explore Newcastle’s economic vision and ambitions.

The panel will include Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive at Newcastle City Council, alongside Ben Rodgers, Senior Development Manager at LGIM Real Assets, who recently invested £65m into Science Central on behalf of Legal & General Capital.

The duo will be joined by Richard Wise, Partner at Ryder Architecture, Robert Patterson, Partner at Sanderson Weatherall and Adam Serfontein, Managing Director at Hanro Group.

Construction has accelerated at Science Central, with five buildings set to open in the next three years including the Urban Sciences Building, Newcastle Laboratory, plus Legal & General’s 100,000 sq. ft Grade A office building.

Pat Ritchie said: “Newcastle is an ambitious city with big plans for the future, and it’s important that we collectively demonstrate we are a city of opportunity and open for business.”

“This event allows for an open discussion with key city partners to discuss how the city has developed, what the challenges are, and what can be achieved through innovative partnerships and working together.”

Ben Rodgers added: “Major city centre urban regeneration is critical to UK’s economic success story.

“Driving increased productivity and output, the greatest multiplier in long term growth comes from investing in our cities, delivering schemes that bring jobs and people back into the centre and better utilise our existing infrastructure.

“Such projects usually only succeed when they are built on strong and progressive public/private partnerships, and funded by long term money.”